Explore every episode of the podcast Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small-Business Marketing
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| Leading with Humour with Michael Kerr | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:47:01 | |
What if the secret to building a high-performing team wasn’t in your systems, but in your sense of humour? In this episode, Hayley Bohan is joined by the always-energizing Michael Kerr — international speaker, author, and “Workplace Energizer” — to unpack how small businesses can lead with intention, laugh more, and create cultures that don’t suck the soul out of their people. If you’re a small business owner juggling all the hats and hiring your first few team members, this one’s for you. Guest Bio:Michael Kerr is a Canadian Hall of Fame speaker, founder of Humour at Work, and the author of nine books — including his latest, Small Moments, Big Outcomes: How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results. For over 25 years, he’s been travelling the globe to help organizations create more collaborative, humane, and hilariously effective workplaces. Learn more at mikekerr.com. In This Episode:
Website | Instagram | LinkedIn ️ Don’t Miss:If you’re building a brand that’s rooted in purpose and people, don’t just focus on the outside perception. Start from the inside — and lead with humour. Chapters
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| Actually, I Can: How Jessica Baladad Turned a Cancer Diagnosis Into a Global Health Movement | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:31:49 | |
What if a life-changing diagnosis became the start of your biggest impact? At just 33, Jessica Baladad found a lump that would set her on an entirely new path. In this powerful and heartfelt episode, host Hayley Bohan sits down with Jessica to hear how she turned a breast cancer diagnosis into a mission-driven business that’s helping people around the world take control of their health. With no tech background, Jessica taught herself how to build an app, and ended up creating Feel For Your Life, a globally downloaded, free resource for self-exams, reminders, and even AI-powered pathology report support. This is entrepreneurship rooted in purpose. It's about turning pain into power, and a personal story into a global movement. Meet Our Guest: Jessica BaladadJessica Baladad is a six-year breast cancer survivor, self-taught app developer, and founder of Feel For Your Life — the first self-exam and breast health tracking app built by a patient, for patients. Her app has been downloaded tens of thousands of times across 147+ countries and includes a first-of-its-kind AI feature to help users interpret complex pathology reports. Jessica has been featured on Good Morning America, USA Today, Upworthy, and more — and has even partnered with the NFL's Crucial Catch Campaign. Beyond the app, she’s become a powerful voice in healthcare advocacy, working on state legislation, speaking before members of Congress, and pushing for access, equity, and transparency in the healthcare system. What You’ll Learn in This Episode✅ How Jessica turned a personal health crisis into a global mission
Download the Feel For Your Life app and start your monthly self-exams today. Subscribe to Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing to hear more stories where purpose meets entrepreneurship. Follow Hayley Bohan on Instagram @hayley_bohan and connect at marketingonpurpose.ca for marketing coaching, branding insight, and more. Chapters
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| From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Business Pivot That Changed Everything with Gilles Essiembre | 16 Sep 2024 | 00:49:07 | |
Welcome to Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing!
If you’re an entrepreneur who’s struggled with finding the right market, balancing personal priorities with business, or staying persistent in the face of setbacks, this episode is packed with insights just for you. Key Points Discussed:
Additional Resources:
Tune in to hear how staying flexible and prioritizing relationships has helped Gilles build a thriving, purpose-driven business. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Daring Dreams podcast and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! | |||
| From Zero to Funded: The Marketing Behind Storyay’s Launch with Sara Furlong-Warren | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:36:37 | |
Have a brilliant business idea but unsure how to bring it to market? This episode is your blueprint. Marketing isn’t just part of the launch—it IS the launch. Guest Introduction: Sara Furlong-Warren, Chief Content Officer and Co-Founder of Storyay, joins Hayley Bohan to share how her team successfully launched an innovative children's product using a highly strategic marketing approach. With 20 years of experience in kids’ entertainment and publishing, Sara brings deep insight into what it takes to go from idea to fully funded Kickstarter. Episode Summary: Launching a business isn't just about building the product—it’s about building the market. In this episode, Sara shares:
Whether you’re launching a new product or considering a pivot, Sara’s approach is a masterclass in small business marketing strategy. Additional Resources: Connect with Sara and learn more about Storyay Instagram - TikTok - Facebook - Website Connect with Hayley Instagram - Facebook - Website - Book If you're feeling stuck on your own business launch, make sure you're following Daring Dreams and subscribe for more marketing strategy deep dives!
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| Podcasting, Pivots & Subconscious Strategy with Kimberly Spencer | 14 Oct 2025 | 01:07:39 | |
If your podcast is lighting up your soul but draining your time without results—you’re not alone. In this episode, Hayley Bohan sits down with marketing and visibility strategist Kimberly Spencer to explore how to turn your platform into a purposeful, profit-aligned asset. Guest Intro: Kimberly Spencer is an award-winning high-performance, trauma-informed coach, TEDx speaker, founder of Crown Yourself® and CEO of Communication Queens, and the bestselling author of Make Every Podcast Want You, which was named one of the "Top Books of 2024 to Change Your Life" by Foureva Media in NYC’s Times Square. She's been featured on Netflix, The CW, ESPN, Thrive Global, NPR, and Forbes—and she's here to help you rethink how visibility and subconscious identity shape your results. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: ️ How Kimberly generated over $250K in business from guest podcasting Why her agency model wasn’t sustainable—despite “success” on the outside ⚙️ The strategic decision to restructure her business to protect profit & peace How subconscious blocks around guilt, identity, and visibility can cap growth Why your podcast (or book!) should be your #1 lead magnet The 3 types of guests that grow your business—not just your download count How to detach your self-worth from your business outcomes (without losing drive) The “avoidance list” tool that uncovers your next bold move Mentioned in the Episode:
If you’re ready to let your podcast work double-duty—building your brand and your bottom line—don’t miss this episode. And don’t forget to share it with a fellow dreamer who's building visibility with heart and strategy. | |||
| Resilience and Reinvention: Justin & Judith Sweeney on Building a Value-Driven Small Business that Lasts | 13 Dec 2024 | 01:13:37 | |
Judith and Justin Sweeney, the founders of Bubbles and Balms, share their inspiring journey of building a values-driven skincare business over the past 10 years. From battling imposter syndrome to navigating major pivots during the pandemic, they’ve learned how to turn challenges into opportunities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Meet Judith and Justin Sweeney and their passion for skincare. 05:50 – Overcoming imposter syndrome as new entrepreneurs. 15:30 – How they pivoted from in-person markets to e-commerce during COVID-19. 25:45 – Why simplifying product offerings improved their marketing and sales. 32:10 – The value of a strong brand identity and lessons from rebranding. 43:20 – Managing mental health challenges while building a business. 50:10 – Key advice for entrepreneurs on learning, mentorship, and persistence. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Bubbles and Balms: Visit their website: bubblesandbalms.ca Hayley’s book Brand Worth Loving: Check it out here ✨ Ready to Build Your Dream Business? Tune in now to hear Judith and Justin’s inspiring story and get actionable advice to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. Don’t forget to: Subscribe to Daring Dreams on your favorite platform. Leave a review to let us know your favourite takeaway. Every review helps us reach more small business owners who dare to dream big! | |||
| Is Podcasting Still Worth It? How to Use Your Show as a Marketing Power Tool with Joel Oliver | 02 Sep 2025 | 00:42:12 | |
Are you thinking about launching a podcast — or already have one, but feel like you're shouting into the void? In this episode, Hayley Bohan sits down with podcast producer and strategist Joel Oliver, founder of East Coast Studio, to dig into what really makes podcasting an effective marketing strategy, not just a content channel. From choosing your niche to repurposing one episode into a week’s worth of content, Joel breaks down what it actually takes to build an audience, grow trust, and (yes!) turn listeners into paying customers. Whether you're just starting out or already publishing weekly episodes, this one will help you podcast with a purpose. Meet Our Guest: Joel Oliver is the founder of East Coast Studio, a full-service podcast production company focused on helping health and wellness entrepreneurs launch and grow impactful shows — without the overwhelm. He’s also the host of Profits Through Podcasting, and a big believer in aligning marketing with what you actually love doing. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Marketing Strategy Takeaways:
️ Resources Mentioned: Profits Through Podcasting (Joel’s podcast) Connect with Joel If you’ve been sitting on the idea of starting a podcast (or struggling to grow one), this is your sign to take the leap — with a strategy. Listen now and let’s turn your content into a client magnet. | |||
| Solo But Mighty: How Shanna Truffini Markets a Movement with Heart | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:32:50 | |
Ever feel like your brand won’t grow unless you turn your life into content? This episode is your permission slip to do it differently. ️ Guest Introduction: In this episode of Daring Dreams, Hayley Bohan sits down with Shanna Truffini, the creator of You Are A Gardener® and the Pull Your Weeds® movement. What started as a personal moment with her kids turned into a mission-driven platform that’s now reached over 25,000 students and educators through books, blogs, school assemblies, and emotional empowerment tools. Shanna shares how she built all of it — while working another full-time job — and why she’s chosen not to be the face of her brand. What You'll Learn:
Resources Mentioned: You Are A Gardener® – Explore the book, blog, and school programs Talk-A-Dot – Recommended tool for speaker feedback and referrals Feeling inspired to grow something that feels good and does good? Check out youareagardener.com to grab the book, join the newsletter, or book a school program. Don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share if this episode spoke to you! | |||
| The 3-2-1 on Brand Strategy with Hayley | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:25:01 | |
Welcome to the first episode of Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing. Today, Hayley Bohan dives into her absolute favourite topic – the importance of building a brand strategy for small business owners and solopreneurs. In this episode, Hayley introduces the "three, two, one" framework, offering three compelling reasons, two actionable tips, and one inspiring story on why you need to create a brand strategy. Show Notes:
Additional Resources:
If you're ready to bring clarity, meaning, and ease to your business, create a brand strategy. Head over to our website for resources and courses to get you started. Don't forget to subscribe to Daring Dreams for more insightful episodes! | |||
| The 3-2-1 on The Marketing Drain | 15 Aug 2024 | 00:19:06 | |
Is your marketing sucking the life out of you? Dramatic, yes, but certainly the way many small business owners feel. Join host, Hayley Bohan, in this episode of Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing as she transforms the dread of marketing into an enjoyable and effective part of your business journey. In this episode, Hayley dives into the common struggles small business owners face with marketing. From hating the process to feeling overwhelmed by a lack of results, she addresses it all. Hayley shares three signs that marketing is draining you, offers actionable steps to combat these issues, and provides a powerful mindset shift that can turn marketing from a chore into a helpful tool for your business. Key Takeaways: Three Signs Marketing is Draining You:
Two Quick Actions to Improve Marketing:
One Mindset Shift: View marketing as a way to help your ideal customers find and choose you. Instagram Strategy Tips: https://www.instagram.com/hayley_bohan/ Feeling drained by your marketing efforts? Tune in to this episode and discover how to breathe new life into your strategies. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you found this helpful! | |||
| From Business to Beauty Pageants: Lorraine Peters on Courage and Dreams | 16 Jul 2024 | 00:48:13 | |
Welcome back to Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing! In this inspiring episode, host Hayley Bohan chats with Lorraine Peters, founder of the Development Academy and a participant in the upcoming Miss Universe Canada pageant. Lorraine's story is one of courage, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of passion. Guest Introduction: Lorraine Peters is not only a seasoned entrepreneur but also a beacon of inspiration for women everywhere. With a rich background in modeling and personal development, Lorraine has dedicated her life to helping others build confidence and soft skills. Now, she's taking on a new challenge as the oldest contestant in the Miss Universe Canada pageant. In this episode, Lorraine shares her incredible journey from teaching self-improvement courses to pivoting her business during the pandemic and finally stepping into the world of beauty pageants. Hayley and Lorraine discuss the importance of bravery in pursuing one's dreams, the challenges of niching down in business, and the transformative power of self-confidence. Key Points:
Additional Resources: Follow Lorraine Peters on Instagram and LinkedIn Learn more about the Development Academy here. Don't forget to subscribe to Daring Dreams and leave us a review! Follow us on social media for more inspiring stories and actionable marketing tips. | |||
| Stop Posting, Start Connecting: The Power of Knowing Your People with Tara Daye-Blackmore | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:25:43 | |
Feeling stuck in your marketing? You might be missing one crucial piece — really knowing who your ideal client is. Like, really knowing. Episode Summary: Together, they dive into:
Whether you’re a service-based entrepreneur, wellness professional, or just tired of marketing that doesn’t feel like you — this episode will give you clarity and confidence in how you show up. Resources & Mentions:
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| Clutter, Compassion, and Clients No One Else Was Helping with Kerri Carroll | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:50:59 | |
What happens when you combine marketing strategy with radical empathy? In this episode of Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing, Hayley Bohan sits down with Kerri Carroll, founder of KC’s Clutter Cure, to explore how real connection, clear differentiation, and genuine purpose can drive a business forward even in the most non-traditional of niches. Kerri didn’t set out to become a decluttering expert. But through a background in psych nursing, a passion for people, and a curiosity about human behaviour, she built a business that helps clients navigate hoarding and squalor with compassion and strategy. And she did it all in her 50s, by leading with service, leaning into visibility marketing, and identifying a differentiator most others would avoid. In this episode, you’ll learn:
This isn’t a “build your business in 30 days” kind of episode. It’s a real, honest look at what it means to show up for your clients, build trust, and stand out in a deeply human way. Meet Kerri Carroll Founder | Speaker | Coach | Advocate for Transformational Change Kerri Carroll is the founder of KC’s Clutter Cure, a professional organizing and coaching business that helps people move beyond physical, emotional, and lifestyle clutter. With a background in psych nursing and executive leadership, and a sharp eye for human behaviour, she brings empathy and practicality to one of the most overlooked service sectors in small business. KC’s Clutter Cure specializes in hoarding, squalor, and chronic disorganization — but what Kerri really helps her clients declutter is shame. And she’s building a standout brand while doing it. Learn more on Kerri's Facebook page. Mentioned in this episode:
Takeaway Thought: If you’ve ever wondered whether your business is “different” in a way that might make it harder to market, this episode will show you how that difference can become your greatest strength. | |||
| Daring to Build Differently: Marketing Lessons from a Life of Leaps with Dillon Hill | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:47:39 | |
What if the most daring decision of your life — stepping away from college to help your best friend with terminal cancer — ended up launching a viral movement, saving lives, and building the foundation of a purpose-fueled marketing agency? That’s exactly what happened to Dillon Hill, founder of CosmoForge. In this heart-forward, strategy-rich episode, Dillon joins Hayley Bohan to share his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, the lessons learned from running viral campaigns, and how small businesses can leverage both CRM systems and social purpose to build strong, scalable brands. From selling cake pops to raising $250K and breaking a world record, to helping service-based businesses track what really matters — Dillon’s story is proof that purpose drives support, and that big dreams, backed by strategy, can absolutely change the world. In This Episode:
Top Marketing Strategy Takeaways: ✔️ Purpose drives support. Lead with meaning and people will rally around your mission — customers, team members, and even the media. ✔️ Know your benchmarks before you launch. Success isn't a vibe — it's a number. Define it early so you know when something's working or needs adjusting. ✔️ CRM systems do the heavy lifting. Free up your brain and eliminate chaos. A CRM captures leads, tracks conversations, and keeps your follow-up consistent. ✔️ Track what matters, not just what’s visible. Vanity metrics (likes, views) are misleading. Focus on conversions, funnel movement, and ROI. ✔️ Marketing is a system — not a one-time effort. From ads to emails to follow-up: it all connects. Mapping the full customer journey helps you plug leaks and scale smarter. ✔️ Your website might be the real problem. If ads are performing but you’re not converting, your site experience could be the bottleneck. ✔️ Test big ideas — but always pair them with benchmarks. Creativity is powerful when it’s grounded in data. Be bold, but strategic. Resources & Links:
Dillon’s Free Offer: Get in touch today and receive a free consultation:
Claim your free consultation: https://cosmoforge.io/contact Connect with Hayley: Subscribe to Daring Dreams wherever you get your podcasts — Apple, Spotify, or at marketingonpurpose.ca Love what you’re hearing? Leave a review, share the episode, or tag us on social to spread the love. This community grows because of dreamers like you. | |||
| The 3-2-1 on Niching Down for Better Results | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:23:14 | |
In today’s episode, host Hayley Bohan dives into one of the most powerful strategies small business owners can adopt: niching down. If you’ve ever felt hesitant about narrowing your target audience, this episode will help you reframe that fear into opportunity. Hayley outlines why reaching everyone actually means reaching no one, and shares inspiring examples, from GoPro to Bubbles and Bombs, demonstrating how businesses thrive by targeting a specific audience. This episode’s 3-2-1 breakdown includes:
Hayley also shares advice from her book Brand Worth Loving, encouraging you to zero in on a “minimal viable audience” to increase loyalty, customer connection, and profitability. Guest Mention: Hayley teases an upcoming episode with Judith and Justin from Bubbles and Bombs, who honed in on sensitive skincare to create a unique and impactful niche in the skincare market. Resources Mentioned: Brand-Worth-Loving: How to Build An Authentic Small-Business Brand that Inspires. Build Your Buyer Persona Online Course Ready to find your niche and stand out? Tune in for practical advice, real-world examples, and a bit of brand philosophy to help you take your business to the next level by narrowing your focus. | |||
| Golden Handcuffs to Golden Opportunities: Sue Oland’s Entrepreneurial Leap | 29 Jul 2024 | 00:39:59 | |
Ever wondered what it takes to break free from the corporate grind and start your own business? Join us in this episode of Daring Dreams as we chat with Sue Oland, a former corporate leader who made the bold move to entrepreneurship. Guest Introduction: In this episode, host Hayley Bohan sits down with Sue Oland, a seasoned corporate marketer and leader who recently founded Good People Business Consulting. With a wealth of experience in corporate strategy and leadership, Sue shares her journey of leaving the corporate world behind to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. Summary: Sue Oland opens up about her transition from a high-level corporate career to starting her own business. She discusses the reasons behind her decision, the challenges she faced, and the personal growth that came with embracing entrepreneurship. From overcoming the fear of promoting herself to redefining what success means, Sue’s story is a testament to the bravery and determination required to make such a significant life change. Key Points:
Additional Resources: Visit Good People Business Consulting Website Follow Good People Business Consulting on Instagram @GoodPeopleConsultants Subscribe to Daring Dreams for more inspiring stories and actionable marketing insights. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network! | |||
| Marketing with Heart: World Hope International Canada's Strategic Journey | 03 Oct 2024 | 00:37:40 | |
In this episode of Daring Dreams, Hayley Bohan sits down with Tanya Nace, CEO of World Hope International Canada, to reveal the marketing strategies and bold moves that led to life-changing results. Tanya explains how their shift to a virtual model, creation of a clear donor persona, and use of short-form video content transformed both their brand and the communities they serve. From drilling wells that provided clean water and safety to building schools that stopped girls from being exploited, this episode is the perfect blend of strategy and heart. Discover how marketing can do more than drive growth—it can change lives. Key Points:
Additional Resources:
Want to see how strategy meets heart in small business marketing? Subscribe to Daring Dreams and learn how to build a brand that transforms both your business and the world! | |||
| From Small Town to the Emmys: How Vero Arseneault Built an Emmy-Worthy Brand | 28 Nov 2024 | 00:45:39 | |
In this episode of Daring Dreams, host Hayley Bohan sits down with Vero Arseneault, the creative mind behind Ava Rose and Sail Away jewelry. Vero shares her journey from crafting jewelry in a small rural town to seeing her designs worn by celebrities at the Emmys and featured in Vogue. While her jewelry was already turning heads, Vero realized that her brand needed a transformation to match her bold, artistic vision. That’s where Hayley came in. In this conversation, they dive deep into how Vero built a brand that reflected her values of inclusivity, creativity, and self-expression, turning it into one that resonates on a global scale. What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Resources Mentioned:
If you’re feeling stuck in your branding journey or ready to elevate your business, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. Tune in, get inspired, and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! | |||
| Journey to a Purpose-Driven Business with Kathryn Speer | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:56:17 | |
Welcome to another episode of the Daring Dreams podcast! I'm your host, Hayley Bohan, and today, I'm thrilled to be joined by my dear friend and past client, Kathryn Speer. Kathryn is the owner of Thermography Clinic NB, and her story is a must-listen for anyone contemplating a leap into entrepreneurship or looking for proactive health strategies. Key Points:
Guest Introduction: Kathryn Speer is the passionate owner of Thermography Clinic NB. With a background in corporate business and a personal health scare that changed her life's direction, Kathryn now dedicates her work to proactive health and wellness through thermography. Additional Resources:
If you’ve been inspired by Kathryn’s journey and want to take a proactive step in your health, visit Thermography Clinic NB to learn more about how thermography can help you. Don't forget to subscribe to the Daring Dreams podcast for more inspiring stories and actionable marketing insights! | |||
| Failure Fueled Her: How Krista Walsh Built a Business From the Ground Up | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:25:36 | |
What if the lowest point of your life turned out to be the foundation for your biggest success? In this episode, we explore how Krista Walsh went from being fired three times in six months to building the first woman-owned collection agency in Atlantic Canada. Guest Introduction: Meet Krista Walsh—founder of KC Collect, award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and unapologetically real entrepreneur. Her story is one of grit, guts, and good old-fashioned hustle. Episode Summary: In this candid and energizing conversation, Krista shares how early failures forced her to discover her true strengths, how necessity and grit launched her entrepreneurial journey, and how asking for help became her greatest business superpower. We cover:
Strategy Takeaway: This episode is a crash course in the power of grassroots marketing, persistence, and building credibility through referrals and relationships. If you’ve ever felt like a failure or been afraid to ask for help, Krista’s story will light a fire under you. Resources Mentioned: Krista’s Website: kccollect.com Krista’s Book: Stories from a Debt Collector (Available on Amazon or her website for signed copies) Share this episode with someone who needs a little reminder that failure isn't the end—it's just the beginning. Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help more dreamers find their way back to daring. | |||
| Why Niche Brands Win: Marketing Lessons from Run•Tri•Bike Founder Jason Bahamundi | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:45:02 | |
Feel like your marketing is trying to reach everyone—but landing with no one? This episode will show you exactly what happens when you get hyper-clear on who you serve and how to speak to them. Hayley Bohan sits down with Jason Bahamundi, founder of Run•Tri•Bike, a digital media brand built for everyday endurance athletes. What started as a niche idea is now a global movement—and it all began with a laser-focused message. Guest Introduction: Jason Bahamundi is the founder of Run•Tri•Bike, a digital media company on a mission to prove that there's space at the starting line for everybody—and every body. With 25 years in sales and marketing, Jason launched the brand during the pandemic and has since grown it into an international platform of newsletters, social content, and a podcast network. He shares exactly how he did it—without chasing trends or trying to be everything to everyone. What You’ll Learn:
Mentioned in This Episode: Hayley’s Buyer Persona Course (create messaging that connects) If you’re building a brand with heart but feel scattered in your strategy—this episode is a masterclass in clarity. Tune in now, share it with a business bestie, and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of Daring Dreams. | |||
| Marketing the Unexpected: How Cathy Nesbitt Turned Worms into a Media Hit | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:39:06 | |
Would you ever believe that worms and laughter could be the foundation of a successful business—and a killer marketing strategy? In this episode, Hayley Bohan sits down with Cathy Nesbitt, founder of Cathy’s Crawly Composters, to dig into the dirt (literally!) on unconventional marketing, media magnetism, and how staying rooted in purpose can power your brand visibility. Guest Introduction: Cathy Nesbitt is a health and sustainability advocate, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, and the founder of three eco-minded ventures: Cathy’s Crawly Composters, Cathy’s Sprouters, and Cathy’s Laughter Club. Based just north of Toronto, Cathy has been transforming perceptions of composting for over 23 years—and she’s been featured in over 300 media stories for her efforts. Summary: Cathy shares her incredible marketing journey, from launching a worm composting business nobody wanted to touch, to becoming a sought-after media source and workshop leader. She dives into:
Marketing Takeaways:
Resources & Links:
Got an unconventional business idea? This episode will convince you to stop hiding and start pitching! Subscribe, leave a review, and join our marketing community over at Marketing On Purpose. | |||
| Taking the Plunge: Sean Casey's Leap into Golf Entrepreneurship | 03 Sep 2024 | 00:53:58 | |
Welcome to another episode of Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing. In this episode, Hayley Bohan sits down with Sean Casey, a seasoned entrepreneur and Professional Golf Association of Canada coach, who shares his journey of building BurlOak Indoor Golf—an innovative, full-service golf facility catering to golfers year-round. Key Takeaways:
Resources & Links: Burloak Indoor Golf – Check out Sean’s golf facility in Burlington, Ontario. HeartMath – A tool mentioned by Sean for managing stress through mindfulness and heart rate variability. Getting Started- Check out the Marketing On Purpose Academy and set the foundation for consistent and more predictable revenue. Feeling inspired to turn your passion into a thriving business? Tune in to hear Sean’s journey and take the first step towards making your dream a reality. | |||
| When Purpose Calls: Real-Time Marketing Strategy for a Business That Had to Exist | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:46:34 | |
In this powerful episode of Daring Dreams, Hayley Bohan sits down with Darren Dawson, founder of Common Sense Defense for Women. Darren didn’t start a business because he wanted to — he started it because someone had to. After 15 years on the frontlines as an RCMP officer, witnessing the aftermath of violence against women, Darren knew he couldn’t just respond — he needed to prevent. But building a purpose-driven business is one thing. Marketing it? That’s a whole other story. Tune in for a heart-led, strategy-rich conversation where Hayley gives real-time marketing advice to help Darren get his mission in front of the women who need it most. From identifying his ideal customer to ditching discounts and leaning into emotional messaging, this episode is packed with strategic gems for entrepreneurs who are driven by more than just profit. In this episode, you’ll learn:
About Darren Dawson: Darren is a retired RCMP officer and the founder of Common Sense Defense for Women, a six-hour course designed to empower women with simple, practical skills to stay safe. His mission? To teach as many women as possible how to protect themselves — physically and mentally — in a world that too often leaves them vulnerable. Connect with Darren: Mentioned in this episode: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert CPR/First Aid training partner: Life Start Buttercup Cookie Lady collab (Moncton, NB) ✅ If you’re a purpose-driven entrepreneur struggling to turn your passion into visibility, this episode is for you. And if you believe in Darren’s mission, share this episode — you might help someone take the course that changes everything. | |||
| Pam Pastrik on Growing a Nonprofit That Heals | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:41:26 | |
In this powerful episode of Daring Dreams, host Hayley Bohan sits down with Pam Pastrik, founder of NB Copes, a nonprofit that provides creative, holistic grief support to families navigating the loss of a loved one. Pam’s journey began with personal tragedy, but she transformed her pain into a purpose-driven organization that’s helping others heal. Along the way, she has faced the unique marketing challenges of building a nonprofit—crafting a message that’s not just compelling, but deeply personal and heart-centered. Pam shares the marketing strategies that have helped NB Copes grow and become a key player in supporting grieving families on the East Coast. With a focus on local engagement, long-term community building, and art therapy, Pam’s story is both inspiring and insightful for anyone navigating the complexities of nonprofit marketing. You’ll hear about:
This episode isn’t just about marketing a nonprofit—it’s about doing so with heart. Pam’s approach is a masterclass in blending purpose, passion, and strategy to build an organization that truly makes a difference. Guest Bio: Pam Pastrik is the founder of NB Copes, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families coping with grief and loss. Drawing from her personal experiences and her background in art therapy, Pam has created a grassroots movement that combines creativity, community, and compassion to provide long-term healing for families. NB Copes offers family retreats and art-based programs designed to foster connection and offer holistic support. Learn about NB Copes here. Key Takeaways:
Are you inspired by Pam’s story of purpose-driven marketing? Don’t miss this chance to learn how to build a nonprofit brand with heart. Subscribe to Daring Dreams and share this episode with anyone interested in nonprofit marketing or community-building strategies.
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| Marketing That Feeds the Soul: Building Loyalty Through Real Relationships with Sonia Strobel | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:45:33 | |
If traditional marketing feels like a noisy echo chamber of reels, funnels, and fake connection — this episode will feel like a breath of fresh, ocean air. In today’s episode of Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing, Hayley Bohan sits down with Sonia Strobel, co-founder and CEO of Skipper Otto, one of the first community-supported fisheries in the world. Sonia isn’t just selling seafood — she’s redefining how we market, how we connect, and how we build lasting loyalty through genuine relationships. From launching Skipper Otto on a scanned-photo website and 40 mailed-in checks to building a thriving B Corp with over 8,000 members and 45 fishing families, Sonia’s story is full of inspiration, grounded leadership, and marketing wisdom rooted in purpose. What We Cover in This Episode:
Marketing Takeaways You’ll Love:
More About Sonia Strobel & Skipper Otto: Sonia is a former high school teacher turned trailblazing entrepreneur. Since 2008, she’s led Skipper Otto in reshaping the seafood industry with values like transparency, community, and living wages. She’s also a passionate advocate for food system reform, small-scale fishers, and mentorship for purpose-driven businesses. Resources & Links: Learn more or become a member at skipperotto.com Follow Skipper Otto on Instagram@skipperotto Connect with Sonia Strobel on LinkedIn Check if Sonia’s service area includes your region — and sign up for updates at skipperotto.com. Connect with Hayley Bohan: ✨ Website: marketingonpurpose.ca Instagram: @hayley_bohan Loved this conversation? Share this episode with a business buddy who’s tired of soulless marketing. And don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a dose of heart + strategy. | |||
| Building a Dream Quilt by Quilt: Lisa Mosher on Growth, Grit, and Crafting a Loyal Community | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:55:00 | |
Welcome back to Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing! This episode features Lisa Moser, a former parole officer turned passionate quilt shop owner. Host Hayley Bohan dives into Lisa’s inspiring journey, from her first custom quilts to KP Quilting Studio’s expansion as a beloved local hub. Lisa opens up about her courageous leap from a stable career to fulfilling her entrepreneurial dream, the strategic pivots she made during COVID-19, and how embracing change helped her business thrive. What You’ll Learn:
Key Takeaway: Lisa’s journey shows that the right mix of passion, adaptability, and trust in your community can lead to unexpected growth—even in the most challenging times. Resources Mentioned: KP Quilting Studio: kpquiltingstudio.com Follow KP Quilting Studio on Facebook Tune in to hear Lisa’s story and get inspired to embrace your own daring dreams. Whether you’re facing setbacks or dreaming of a new path, this episode has something for you! | |||
| The Truth Behind the Brand: Ish Bell on Healing, Identity & Showing Up Real | 11 Dec 2025 | 01:07:20 | |
What if the biggest block in your business has nothing to do with your strategy — and everything to do with your story? In this raw and powerful episode of Daring Dreams: Heart & Strategy in Small Business Marketing, Hayley Bohan sits down with Ish Bell, founder of Bells Media, to explore the deep inner work that transformed his business from surface-level hustle to a purpose-driven brand built on truth, story, and healing. But this conversation goes beyond business. It touches on father wounds, identity, vulnerability, and growth — the kind of growth that starts on the inside and ripples into everything you do, especially how you show up in your brand. You’ll also hear guest moments from Marci Mendonça, Ish’s partner in life and in Bells Media, as they share the story of how their own healing work led to helping others find their voice, their confidence, and their content style — all by starting with the truth. This is one of the most meaningful episodes we’ve ever recorded. It’s longer than most. But it’s absolutely worth your time. What We Talk About:
Key Marketing Insight: Your story is your brand. Additional Resources:
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